US troop head hails AFP engineering skills
LEGAZPI CITY – After the month long RP-US joint Balikatan Exercises here in Bicol, “Filipino soldiers have shown excellent skills in engineering works” especially in designing structures, roads and in basic troubleshooting, said Capt. Kelly J. Schmader, head of the Balikatan’s joint civil, military and dental task force yesterday.
With 99.3 percent completed Engineering Civic Actions Programs (Encap) in the three provinces of Bicol – Masbate, Sorsogon and Albay, Schmader added: “They (AFP) are brilliant planners that their thorough planning allows them to execute (projects) with precision.”
Filipinos as touted for being resourceful was proven when they were able to assist the American soldiers on repairing the laser equipment during the Encap activity in Masbate, said Lt. Col. Neneveigh L. Alcovindas, public relations officer of the Balikatan task force.
“They innovated things and we found wielding very impressive which is something that we don’t know but surely we’ll bring to the US,” Schmader said after being on the experiences with the Philippine counterparts.
The Engineering team has 100 percent complete Encap projects including the 3-km road rehab in Brgy. Malidong in Pio Duran town, Albay; 1- km road repair and two-room school buildings in Brgy. Guruyan, Juban, Sorsogon; and another two classrooms Brgy. Dapdap, Uson, Masbate.
On the other hand, the water systems in the villages of Sawang and Dapdap in Uson town, Masbate are already 98 percent complete and on its final phase that were turned over to the provincial government of Masbate headed by Gov. Elisa T. Kho last Tuesday.
According to Brig. Gen. Tristan M. Kison, head of the joint task force for the Balikatan, at least 17, 314 Bicolanos were benefited by the Medical Civic Actions Programs (Medcap) which conducted last April 17.
In his reports, there were 13,892 beneficiaries of the free medical treatment in Bicol offering primary care, optometry, minor surgery, radiology for diagnosis and circumcision.
The RP-US team had also given dental services with 3,062 people undertaken tooth examination and extraction.
Tristan said veterinary services are also offered that at least 360 animals have been treated including 146 dogs of different breeds in the towns of Guinobatan and Libon, Albay on Monday and Tuesday.
“There are still ongoing Medcap activities in Brgy. Mauraro, Guinobatan and Brgy. Cotmon, Camalig, Albay which are being continued by the Filipino soldiers,” Tristan announced.
Aside from Encap and Medcap activitities, Philippine and US servicemen extended their community aids to the children programs.
At least 4,004 children whose ages 8 to 14 years old flocked to their elementary schools in the remote villages in Masbate and Albay for feeding programs and some gift giving activities.
Tristan cited the beneficiaries received school supplies such as notebooks, pencils and slippers while the team had conducted parlor games for entertainment.
On the other hand, Schmader expressed his deepest gratitude to the eight-year-old girl who handed him a Thank You card before they leave the site.
“I’ll always treasure the memories in the Philippines with this card,” he told the Inquirer.
Johana Vi Gasga
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Village chief shot dead
LEGAZPI CITY — A village chief was shot dead by suspected rivals in Ocampo town in Camarines Sur on Monday, police reported Tuesday.
Edmundo Ibasco, village chief of Barangay May-Ogob was gunned down by still unidentified suspects in an open dance hall at around 10:21 p.m., said Chief Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
Natuel said Ibasco was at a benefit dance while the crowd suddenly heard gun shots.
The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds on the body while the suspects fled after the incident.
Ibasco was rushed to Ocampo Hospital by his companions but was declared dead on arrival, Natuel added.
Ocampo police have not yet recovered any empty shells that were fired by the unidentified suspects but the investigation is still ongoing. Johana Vi Gasga
Edmundo Ibasco, village chief of Barangay May-Ogob was gunned down by still unidentified suspects in an open dance hall at around 10:21 p.m., said Chief Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
Natuel said Ibasco was at a benefit dance while the crowd suddenly heard gun shots.
The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds on the body while the suspects fled after the incident.
Ibasco was rushed to Ocampo Hospital by his companions but was declared dead on arrival, Natuel added.
Ocampo police have not yet recovered any empty shells that were fired by the unidentified suspects but the investigation is still ongoing. Johana Vi Gasga
Pamplona road crash kills 2, injures 9
LEGAZPI CITY -- At least 2 persons died and nine other passengers injured in two separate vehicular accidents in Pamplona town in Camarines Sur on Thursday, police official reported Saturday.
The victim Ryan Tuagnon, 18 died when the jeepney he was riding collided with a passenger van along Pamplona highway in San Ramon village at around 4:15 p.m., said Chief Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
Initial investigation showed the passenger van driven by Sherwin Caceres, 22 overtook another vehicle in a fast speed that the driver was not able to notice the approaching jeepney with 11 loaded passengers.
Natuel said the wounded victims who were rushed to St. John Hospital in Naga City were: Ricardo Herrera, 36, jeepney driver; Emmanuel Sta. Ana, 20; Elena Pestin, 28; Araceli Butial, 39; Judy Alog, 36; Mary Jane Mayhay, 26; Alma Enciso, 19; Susan Portugal, 42; and Rowena Dayon,39.
On the other hand, Caceres surrendered to the police immediately after the accident.
In another road mishap, an eight-year-old girl died after hit by a motorcycle in San Isidro (village), Pamplona on Thursday morning, police said Saturday.
Angela Padilla was bumped by a Suzuki motorcycle driven by Scipeo Oporto, 28 of Cabusao, Camarines Sur at around 11:15 a.m. along Maharlika Highway, Pamplona said Natuel.
The victim who got severe head injury was rushed to Bicol Medical Center in Naga City by her relatives died while undergoing treatment.
The suspect fled after the accident and later surrendered at Ragay PNP.
Johana Vi Gasga
The victim Ryan Tuagnon, 18 died when the jeepney he was riding collided with a passenger van along Pamplona highway in San Ramon village at around 4:15 p.m., said Chief Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
Initial investigation showed the passenger van driven by Sherwin Caceres, 22 overtook another vehicle in a fast speed that the driver was not able to notice the approaching jeepney with 11 loaded passengers.
Natuel said the wounded victims who were rushed to St. John Hospital in Naga City were: Ricardo Herrera, 36, jeepney driver; Emmanuel Sta. Ana, 20; Elena Pestin, 28; Araceli Butial, 39; Judy Alog, 36; Mary Jane Mayhay, 26; Alma Enciso, 19; Susan Portugal, 42; and Rowena Dayon,39.
On the other hand, Caceres surrendered to the police immediately after the accident.
In another road mishap, an eight-year-old girl died after hit by a motorcycle in San Isidro (village), Pamplona on Thursday morning, police said Saturday.
Angela Padilla was bumped by a Suzuki motorcycle driven by Scipeo Oporto, 28 of Cabusao, Camarines Sur at around 11:15 a.m. along Maharlika Highway, Pamplona said Natuel.
The victim who got severe head injury was rushed to Bicol Medical Center in Naga City by her relatives died while undergoing treatment.
The suspect fled after the accident and later surrendered at Ragay PNP.
Johana Vi Gasga
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
2 dead in suicide
LEGAZPI CITY — Two old men were found dead hanging by the neck in their residences in two separate suicide incidents on Easter Sunday in Baras town in Camarines Norte and Naga City, police reported Tuesday.
The victim, Feliz Tresvalles, 56 of Brgy. Bartolinaw, Baras, Cam Norte was already found dead by his grandson, Michaelhanging on the Hagupit tree in their backyard, Chief Inspector Ayn Natuel said.
The incident happened at around 6:00 a.m. when Michael went outside their house and saw his grandfather on a tree and later noticed that the victim was already dead.
Initial police investigation showed that Tresvalles committed suicide due to family problems.
No notes were recovered in the incident.
In San Miguel Street, San Felipe Naga City, Conchado Opena, 65 was found dead by his neighbor, Menandro Calingacion, 32 inside the victim’s receiving room with a nylon rope around his neck hanging on the ceiling on late Sunday evening, Police Insp Marlyn Abah reported.
Calingacion saw a suicide note on top of the table after the incident and was found out that the victim was depressed due to financial and family-related difficulties.
The victim was rushed to Naga City Hospital at around 7:45 p.m. but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
The victim, Feliz Tresvalles, 56 of Brgy. Bartolinaw, Baras, Cam Norte was already found dead by his grandson, Michaelhanging on the Hagupit tree in their backyard, Chief Inspector Ayn Natuel said.
The incident happened at around 6:00 a.m. when Michael went outside their house and saw his grandfather on a tree and later noticed that the victim was already dead.
Initial police investigation showed that Tresvalles committed suicide due to family problems.
No notes were recovered in the incident.
In San Miguel Street, San Felipe Naga City, Conchado Opena, 65 was found dead by his neighbor, Menandro Calingacion, 32 inside the victim’s receiving room with a nylon rope around his neck hanging on the ceiling on late Sunday evening, Police Insp Marlyn Abah reported.
Calingacion saw a suicide note on top of the table after the incident and was found out that the victim was depressed due to financial and family-related difficulties.
The victim was rushed to Naga City Hospital at around 7:45 p.m. but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
"Talamusak" kills 2, downs 4 others
LEGAZPI CITY — At least two children died while four other family members were in critical condition after eating fish locally known as “Bagoy-Bagoy” or “Talamusak” for lunch on Black Saturday in Sta. Elena town in Camarines Norte, a police official reported Tuesday.
The victims, 11-year-old Emalyn Lladones and 12-year-old Ismael Lladones , children of a fish vendor were pronounced dead on arrival at the Rosary Virgin Mary Hospital in Camarines Norte, said Police Insp Marlyn Abah.
Rushed to St. Peter’s Hospital were Elmer Lladones, 44, head of the family; Mary Jane, 40; and children Erlinda, three years old; and Emil, nine years old, all of Sta. Elena village, Camarines Norte.
Initial investigation showed that the Lladones family was having their lunch at around 11:30 a.m., when they felt dizziness, stomach aches and later vomited after eating the “Talamusak” fish brought by their father.
The family believed that they were poisoned by the fish they have eaten while the victims are now under observation.
Local health authorities are trying to determine the cause of the incident.
Johana Vi Gasga Inquirer Southern Luzon
The victims, 11-year-old Emalyn Lladones and 12-year-old Ismael Lladones , children of a fish vendor were pronounced dead on arrival at the Rosary Virgin Mary Hospital in Camarines Norte, said Police Insp Marlyn Abah.
Rushed to St. Peter’s Hospital were Elmer Lladones, 44, head of the family; Mary Jane, 40; and children Erlinda, three years old; and Emil, nine years old, all of Sta. Elena village, Camarines Norte.
Initial investigation showed that the Lladones family was having their lunch at around 11:30 a.m., when they felt dizziness, stomach aches and later vomited after eating the “Talamusak” fish brought by their father.
The family believed that they were poisoned by the fish they have eaten while the victims are now under observation.
Local health authorities are trying to determine the cause of the incident.
Johana Vi Gasga Inquirer Southern Luzon
PTCAO, CIRCA launch Adventure Tour on Climate Change
LEGAZPI CITY – What’s Albay beyond Mayon?
Taking its lead anew on exploring Albay's natural destinations, the Provincial Tourism Cultural Affair Office (PTCAO), in coordination with the Centre for Initiatives and Research on Climate Change Adaptation (CIRCA) spearheaded the first adventure tour beyond the havens of Mayon Volcano.
Dubbed “Albay Adventure Tour on Climate Change 101”, the three-day adventure last April 17-19 in San Miguel, Tabaco City and Cagraray islands, Bacacay has unveiled pristine tourist destinations which are relatively unexploited yet by commercial tourism in Bicol.
"We are trying to explore other tourist destinations aside from Mayon, promote community-based tourism and develop the locally-made products," PTCAO head Jose Briones said.
With participants from different travel tours and agencies, foreigners and Mayon mountaineers, the adventurers trailed the winding road up Mayon Skyline Park in Tabaco City via motorcycles last Friday.
Great heights for zip line, rapelling and wall climbing in Mayon rest house welcomed the tourists with much excitement and thrills.
Albay, as the province known worldwide for Mayon tourist attraction, Briones added: "What else could be seen aside from Mayon Volcano? Our province is very much rich in various kind of tourism and sport activities -- that is why, we are to discover it.
The adventure tour has crossed the captivating islets with fine beaches in Isla Punta, Uson and Sua (villages) in Bacacay that can be the next tourist spots in Albay.
“I didn’t know that there are such a nice place where you can do bicycle here in San Miguel island. I really enjoy and I would like to repeat,” said Lidia Hernandez, a Spaniard tourist who joined the adventure.
According to Dunbar Morales, event coordinator of the tour, that was one of the programs of the government of Albay in order to help the communities establish their own businesses. "We're trying here to advertise those places that may contribute to the locals on generating livelihoods."
"You are bringing the tourists to the makers of the products here, such as banig (mats), cutleries and others souvenirs," he added.
However, the locally-made products “need more improvements especially on merchandising,” said Paul L. So of the Action Holidays Tour Corp.
So suggested that the Karagumoy-made mats should have to be with brands. “Tags like ‘Made in Bacacay, Albay’ so that these products will be known to other places too.”
Climate change awareness
On the other hand, Nong Rangasa, executive director of CIRCA said the event aimed to tap public awareness on climate change while indulging on sports activities at its best with nature.
“We are taking the initiatives on demonstrating climate change mitigation and adaptation for imminent disasters here in Albay,” Rangasa said.
In his presentation on climate change disaster-risk areas, he pointed out the places that could possibly be submerged to floods when the sea level rises up to six meters in the coming years due to global warming.
These include some coastal areas in the six provinces of Bicol – Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon and Masbate.
CIRCA, with the aid of the United Nations is conducting further researches on areas that are vulnerable to disasters in the different regions in the Philippines.
As part of the Albay in Action on Climate Change (A2C2) program through the initiatives of CIRCA, the activity was its local response on climate change mitigation and advocacy campaigns.
Rangasa added that CIRCA is conducting recent studies on climate-related risks in Albay and other areas in the Philippines, introducing concrete disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation options for the most vulnerable communities in the country.
Participants who came from different travel and tour companies were Action Holidays Tour Corp., Royal Quest Tours, Broadway Travel and Compass Tours.
Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
Taking its lead anew on exploring Albay's natural destinations, the Provincial Tourism Cultural Affair Office (PTCAO), in coordination with the Centre for Initiatives and Research on Climate Change Adaptation (CIRCA) spearheaded the first adventure tour beyond the havens of Mayon Volcano.
Dubbed “Albay Adventure Tour on Climate Change 101”, the three-day adventure last April 17-19 in San Miguel, Tabaco City and Cagraray islands, Bacacay has unveiled pristine tourist destinations which are relatively unexploited yet by commercial tourism in Bicol.
"We are trying to explore other tourist destinations aside from Mayon, promote community-based tourism and develop the locally-made products," PTCAO head Jose Briones said.
With participants from different travel tours and agencies, foreigners and Mayon mountaineers, the adventurers trailed the winding road up Mayon Skyline Park in Tabaco City via motorcycles last Friday.
Great heights for zip line, rapelling and wall climbing in Mayon rest house welcomed the tourists with much excitement and thrills.
Albay, as the province known worldwide for Mayon tourist attraction, Briones added: "What else could be seen aside from Mayon Volcano? Our province is very much rich in various kind of tourism and sport activities -- that is why, we are to discover it.
The adventure tour has crossed the captivating islets with fine beaches in Isla Punta, Uson and Sua (villages) in Bacacay that can be the next tourist spots in Albay.
“I didn’t know that there are such a nice place where you can do bicycle here in San Miguel island. I really enjoy and I would like to repeat,” said Lidia Hernandez, a Spaniard tourist who joined the adventure.
According to Dunbar Morales, event coordinator of the tour, that was one of the programs of the government of Albay in order to help the communities establish their own businesses. "We're trying here to advertise those places that may contribute to the locals on generating livelihoods."
"You are bringing the tourists to the makers of the products here, such as banig (mats), cutleries and others souvenirs," he added.
However, the locally-made products “need more improvements especially on merchandising,” said Paul L. So of the Action Holidays Tour Corp.
So suggested that the Karagumoy-made mats should have to be with brands. “Tags like ‘Made in Bacacay, Albay’ so that these products will be known to other places too.”
Climate change awareness
On the other hand, Nong Rangasa, executive director of CIRCA said the event aimed to tap public awareness on climate change while indulging on sports activities at its best with nature.
“We are taking the initiatives on demonstrating climate change mitigation and adaptation for imminent disasters here in Albay,” Rangasa said.
In his presentation on climate change disaster-risk areas, he pointed out the places that could possibly be submerged to floods when the sea level rises up to six meters in the coming years due to global warming.
These include some coastal areas in the six provinces of Bicol – Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon and Masbate.
CIRCA, with the aid of the United Nations is conducting further researches on areas that are vulnerable to disasters in the different regions in the Philippines.
As part of the Albay in Action on Climate Change (A2C2) program through the initiatives of CIRCA, the activity was its local response on climate change mitigation and advocacy campaigns.
Rangasa added that CIRCA is conducting recent studies on climate-related risks in Albay and other areas in the Philippines, introducing concrete disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation options for the most vulnerable communities in the country.
Participants who came from different travel and tour companies were Action Holidays Tour Corp., Royal Quest Tours, Broadway Travel and Compass Tours.
Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
Sunday, April 12, 2009
2 kids drown in Cam. norte
LEGAZPI CITY -- The silence and solemnity of Sabado de Gloria broke into mourning when two children drowned at Capalonga beach in Camarines Norte, a police official reported Monday.
Chief Insp Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson said Jordan Cedric Realubit, 7 of Fairview Quezon City and Jude Michael, 10 of Sitio Balisok, Bgy. Ubang, Capalonga, Camarines Norte were swimming at the Water Control in Bgy Itok, Capalonga when the two disappeared around 11:30 a.m.
Capalonga PNP reported that the two playmates were to bath in the beach, while the relatives were preparing for their lunch when the victims accidentally slip off to the deep portion of the sea causing them to go under water.
Their bodies were retrieved by their relatives and rushed to Cam. Norte Provincial Hospital Annex II at Bgy Talobatib, Labo but the physician declared them dead on arrival.
Natuel added that Realubit and Bernalez who are studying at Capalonga Central Elementary School were on a summer outing with their relatives.
In a separate incident, a 6-year-old girl was found dead along the river in Mercedez town in Cam Norte on Saturday, police reported.
According to Natuel, the victim identified as Aira Marie Naje of Purok 4, Brgy Lanot, Mecedez Cam Norte and was found around 6:00 a.m.
The corpse of the victim was noticed by the passing residents dumped on a rock along the river and was immediately retrieved by the locals.
Initial investigation showed that on the evening of Friday (April 10), the victim was last seen watching tv inside her lola’s house. The grandmother of Naje entrusted the child to a Melvin Dasco to accompany her granddaughter in going home.
Natuel said the victim failed to return home that evening and was found dead wearing only her upper clothes early morning of Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Mercedez PNP is still conducting thorough investigation of the possible rape incident while Naje’s body is undergoing a post mortem examination. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
Chief Insp Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson said Jordan Cedric Realubit, 7 of Fairview Quezon City and Jude Michael, 10 of Sitio Balisok, Bgy. Ubang, Capalonga, Camarines Norte were swimming at the Water Control in Bgy Itok, Capalonga when the two disappeared around 11:30 a.m.
Capalonga PNP reported that the two playmates were to bath in the beach, while the relatives were preparing for their lunch when the victims accidentally slip off to the deep portion of the sea causing them to go under water.
Their bodies were retrieved by their relatives and rushed to Cam. Norte Provincial Hospital Annex II at Bgy Talobatib, Labo but the physician declared them dead on arrival.
Natuel added that Realubit and Bernalez who are studying at Capalonga Central Elementary School were on a summer outing with their relatives.
In a separate incident, a 6-year-old girl was found dead along the river in Mercedez town in Cam Norte on Saturday, police reported.
According to Natuel, the victim identified as Aira Marie Naje of Purok 4, Brgy Lanot, Mecedez Cam Norte and was found around 6:00 a.m.
The corpse of the victim was noticed by the passing residents dumped on a rock along the river and was immediately retrieved by the locals.
Initial investigation showed that on the evening of Friday (April 10), the victim was last seen watching tv inside her lola’s house. The grandmother of Naje entrusted the child to a Melvin Dasco to accompany her granddaughter in going home.
Natuel said the victim failed to return home that evening and was found dead wearing only her upper clothes early morning of Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Mercedez PNP is still conducting thorough investigation of the possible rape incident while Naje’s body is undergoing a post mortem examination. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
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